Rocky Mountaineer: Grand Tour of the Rockies

Arrival in Vancouver

Your independent discovery of the Canadian Rockies begins with a flight from London Heathrow to Vancouver. Arriving the same day, you can check in to your hotel and get to know this attractive city better. Located on the Pacific coast, Vancouver is regularly regarded as one of the world's most desirable places to live. Vancouver's original downtown, Gastown, is the city's most historic area. In leafy Stanley Park, you can view colourful totem poles or seek out the food markets of Granville Island.

From sea to sky on Rocky Mountaineer

Transfer early to the train station and board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for a breathtaking rail journey along the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights include spectacular views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the Cheakamus Canyon. Arrive in Whistler this afternoon; the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast (on board)

Gold rush town of Quesnel

A pre-arranged coach picks you up from your hotel and takes you along the Sea to Sky Highway to Pemberton train station, where you board Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from the Pemberton Valley through the Fraser Canyon to the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and the Deep Creek trestle bridge (over 300 feet tall). Arrive in Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo.

Meals: Breakfast (on board)

Past Mount Robson to Jasper

Board Rocky Mountaineer again, following the Fraser River north to Prince George, then east through forests home to moose, caribou and bears. Pass Mount Robson (12,972 feet), known as the 'King of the Rockies'. Arrive in Jasper, a popular tourist destination with a small-town feel, interesting shops and restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast (on board)

Admiring Jasper National Park

The morning is free to soak up the charm of Jasper and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park, including Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake and the Jasper SkyTram – the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, rising nearly 3,500ft in seven minutes to a height of 7,425ft.

Meals: Breakfast

Marvelling at the Athabasca Glacier

Journey along the famous Icefields Parkway (144 miles), viewing natural landmarks including Athabasca Falls and more than 100 glaciers. From mid-May departures onwards, stop at the Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and step onto the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. Continue along the Parkway with a stop at Bow Lake, then arrive at Lake Louise and check in to the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Meals: Breakfast

Exploring Lake Louise

A full day at leisure in Lake Louise. Explore hiking trails including the Lake Louise Lakefront Trail and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Canoe rentals available at the Boathouse in summer. Optional independent excursions include a gondola journey to 6,893 feet, afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, or a helicopter trip.

Meals: Breakfast

Through Yoho National Park to Banff

Free morning to explore Lake Louise. After lunch, a half-day transfer takes you through Yoho National Park to view the Spiral Tunnels (designed in 1908) and Emerald Lake. Continue to the mountain town of Banff and check in to your hotel for two nights. Note: departure from Fairmont Château Lake Louise is approximately 2pm; scheduled checkout is 12noon, luggage stored upon checkout.

Meals: Breakfast

Free day in picturesque Banff

A day at leisure to explore Banff at your own pace. Optional excursions include the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for views across the Bow River Valley, wildlife excursions, the town's hot springs, or exploring Main Street's independent shops and restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Aboard the pioneering First Passage to the West

Back on board Rocky Mountaineer for a daylight journey to Kamloops, following the First Passage to the West route. The train winds through Banff National Park past Morant's Curve, crosses the Continental Divide near the Spiral Tunnels, passes through Rogers Pass and the Connaught Tunnel, and passes Craigellachie where the 'last spike' was driven in 1885. Travel along Shuswap Lake before arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast (on board)

Returning to Vancouver

The Rocky Mountaineer journey concludes along the Thompson and Fraser canyons, with views of green forests, dramatic valleys and Canadian wildlife. Pass Hell's Gate where the Fraser River narrows to just 115 feet. Arrive back in Vancouver and check in to your hotel for the final night in Canada. Evening at leisure to explore western Canada's cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast (on board)

Homeward bound

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast

Landing in London

Your unforgettable independent journey ends today as you land at London Heathrow.